Carrick - Big Boots To Fill

Talk about big boots to fill, new boy Michael Carrick will be given Roy Keane's number 16 shirt.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'Michael has completed his medical and we are going to be having a press conference on Wednesday I think. He has settled down fine, I spoke to him and said to him `I'm giving you the number 16 jersey' so he was delighted at that. I think that showed great courage because sometimes players are a bit superstitious about things like that but he was keen, and said he would gladly take number 16.'

25-year-old Carrick said: 'It's an offer that has come at the right time - professionally and personally. I felt I couldn't turn it down. This is a football decision, a decision not driven by money.'

Adding 'I've had a great time at Spurs and the club has been brilliant for me. There is an excellent squad full of top players and a number of younger lads coming through the ranks as well. I can only see successful times for the club in the future. Martin is a great manager and has done an enormous amount for my career.'

He also says that Jol helped him develop into a better player 'He gave me a chance when I needed it, stood by me and I will always thank him for that.'

how can he be a defensive midfielder, as some say, if he cant tackle, mark or stand up to players physically, a complete waste of money in my opinion i just hope fergie has a trick up his sleeve or we are *****ed. im still *****ed we didnt chase duff